Thursday, 11 July 2013 08:57:24 Europe/London

Homeopathic remedies are often mistaken for herbals or dietary supplements, but, in fact, they are medicine. Quite remarkable ones indeed.

Homeopathy is a natural medical system discovered two centuries ago by German physician and chemist, Samual Hahnemann. The fundamental principle of homeopathy is based on similia similibus curentur (“like shall be cured by like”) and uses active organic medicinal substances at infinitesimal doses (micro-doses).

How are Homeopathics Made?

Homeopathic medicines are manufactured using precise pharmaceutical methods in accordance with the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS). Unlike herbals and dietary supplements, homeopathic medicine manufacturing must meet strict FDA guidelines for strength, quality, purity, and labeling. Each homeopathic medicine is obtained from a precise and controlled process of successive homeopathic “dilutions”. This process de-concentrates the original organic solution and transforms it into a therapeutically active medicine.

How Safe are Homeopathic Medicines?

For 200 years, homeopathy has proven safe and effective in treating a wide array of illnesses and injuries physical, mental, and emotional. A great number of scientific and clinical studies have been conducted, with more than 150 published in prominent medical journals worldwide. Homeopathic medicines are regulated and registered by the FDA.

Because such minute doses of medicinal substances are involved, homeopathic medicines are extremely safe, carrying no risk of side effects, and are non-addictive. Even if one takes the wrong remedy for the wrong condition, it will do no harm. This makes homeopathic remedies especially well-suited for babies and the elderly. Because of their inherent safety, they are frequently used for treatment of self-diagnosable conditions. They provide a natural and affordable alternative to over-the-counter conventional drugs.

For many parents, homeopathic medicine is their first choice for treating children due to the long safety record and absence of side effects. Homeopathic medicines comply with similar regulatory processes for safety and efficacy as regular pharmaceuticals. However, unlike pharmaceuticals, homeopathic medicines are made from natural ingredients having a safety track record as old as 200 years or more, as documented in the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States (HPUS).

On the other hand, dietary supplements and herbals are manufactured like foods, under much less stringent DSHEA guidelines. What many people do not realize about dietary supplements is that they require no safety testing whatsoever before being brought to market and that claims made by their manufacturers are often based on little or no clinical data. Proposed Good Manufacturing Processes (GMP) are not enforced by any regulatory agencies.

In this context, the following table offers a brief comparison of popular remedies for colic, gas and reflux.

Ingredients must comply with the HPUS and have demonstrated safety through extensive clinical history

Established through clinical trials performed by the manufacturer

No safety testing is required. Post market regulation occurs only in the event that "adverse reactions" are reported to the FDA

Safe for All Ages

Homeopathic medicines are safe for all ages, making them particularly well-suited for infants and the elderly

While simethicone is generally considered safe, the FDA does not recommend use of reflux drugs for children under 2 years of age

No age safety standards exist for dietary supplements because no testing or clinical data is required

FDA Mandates Compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)

Homeopathic medicine must comply with GMP standards in an FDA inspected facility

Drugs and pharmaceuticals must comply with GMP standards in an FDA inspected facility

Dietary supplements can be made legally in someone’s kitchen. GMPs are only “proposed”

Free of Side Effects

The body uses what it needs for self-healing but the wrong remedy will cause no harm

Reflux drugs have numerous documented side effects including weakened bones, vitamin deficiency, reduced immune function, increased risk of stomach infections to name a few

Because testing is not required, the side effects of many dietary supplements are unknown. However, a dietary supplement gripe water brand was recently subject to a major recall due to bacterial contamination

Promotes Natural Function Without Altering Body Chemistry

Stimulates the body’s self-healing properties as opposed to suppressing symptoms

Many gripe water brands contain sodium bicarbonate, an alkali which inhibits natural stomach acidity and interferes with the absorption of nutrients such as folic acid and iron

Use Only As Needed

Apply only upon onset of symptoms

Both anti-reflux and anti-gas drugs require regular dosing

Apply only upon onset of symptoms

Homeopathy in the World

According to the World Health Organization, homeopathy is the second largest primary health care system in the world. In Europe, over 100 million people use it on a regular basis (over 30 percent). In France, over one third of family doctors prescribe homeopathic remedies, and there are several schools, outpatient clinics and even homeopathic hospitals. England also has several homeopathic hospitals and it is the chosen medical treatment of the Royal Family and part of the national health system. In Germany, 25% of physicians turn first and foremost to homeopathy. In India, there are over 100 homeopathic medical schools and many government-funded homeopathic hospitals.

In the United States, Homeopathy’s popularity is steadily growing. In fact, in the early 1900s, the most prestigious medical schools in this country were homeopathic. The medical schools converted to allopathic medicine as fast-acting synthetic drugs were developed. Few knew then of the inherent dangerous side effects of pharmaceutical drugs. Today, homeopathy is becoming increasingly favored once again, due to mounting evidence regarding the risks of drug toxicity and its effect on health. Fortunately, the safety and efficacy of natural homeopathic medicines are resulting in more widespread use and acceptance.

People are returning to homeopathy because they understand that, in order to become truly healthy, one must treat the root cause of illness and not just the symptoms. Many Americans feel that pharmaceutical drugs often interfere with the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Suppressing, or merely removing symptoms, is a temporary solution at best. Addressing the “whole” person naturally is a long-term solution to modern states of illness. This is exactly what homeopathy does so safely and effectively.

Why is Colic Calm Homeopathic?

Babies are born with immature digestive and nervous systems. It can take several months for their digestive tracts to learn to function properly and for newborns to develop self-soothing abilities. Colic Calm actually treats the source of discomfort during the growth period, not just the symptoms. Colic Calm homeopathic medicine has the unique ability to support and accelerate the natural healing processes of the body. Unlike other formulas that can wreak havoc on delicate pH and electrolyte balances and lead to side effects and further complications, Colic Calm alone respects and strengthens the proper internal harmony of the body.